From Publishers Weekly
John W. Campbell award-winner Feintuch's long-awaited sequel to The Still (1997) starts slowly but gathers speed as his impatient hero, King Rodrigo of Caledon, must deal with both his enemies and his own vicious temper, which can complicate his relations with allies and friends. After learning to use the ancient power of the Still (derived from gazing into still water) to gain access to the wisdom of past rulers, Rodrigo wields the Still as a weapon in one exciting, intricately described battle after another as his armies take on the invading Hriskil, who wield the Rood. Treachery costs Rodrigo the life of his beloved mentor, Rustin, and nearly that of his remaining brother, Elryc. Elaborate and at times highly graphic, from violent fighting to the painful growth of Rodrigo's character, the tale winds its way through several plot twists...Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal
When the death of his mother brought the boy Rodrigo to the throne of Caledon, he also inherited the power of the Still, a magic that enables him to touch the minds of his ancestors and benefit from their wisdom. As the kingdom of Caledon faces war from enemies to the north and treachery from those who do not accept his rulership, Rodrigo must learn to take up the reins of leadership while curbing his own instincts for cruelty and impulsiveness. Feintuch's sequel to The Still explores the fate of a young man come too soon to power and the sacrifices he must make for the good of the realm. For large fantasy collections. Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
The second installment of Rodrigo of Caledon's saga, begun in The Still (1997), opens with him, now 17, barely holding on against King Hriskil's Norlanders. He is rather callow, with good instincts but apt to misspeak at the worst possible time. The realm he rules, poor even before it was war-torn, endures a medieval political system in which everyone is related to everyone else, and everybody has at least three mutually exclusive sets of loyalties. Rodrigo's regent, mentor, and lover, Rustin, is killed fairly early on, and Rodrigo impulsively sacrifices the time-warping spell he was to use to get rid of his scar to bring Rustin back. His cousin Tresa then says she will wed him, anyway, and his soldiers' loyalty waxes after he leads a commando-style raid against the Norland fleet. A Norland defector becomes an ally, and at last Rodrigo pits the power of the Still of Caledon against the Rood of Norland in an understated but gripping duel of magic. Feintuch's best book yet. Roland Green
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

FROM THE PUBLISHER

"With his kingdom still reeling from the war that set the crown of Caledon upon his head, Rodrigo must prove himself bold, decisive, and ruthless to keep this throne amid the terrifying invasion of the brutal Norlanders. Hounded and driven from castle to keep, Rodrigo must rally his scheming nobles and inspire his stricken realm. And the power of the Still - the ability to find the wisdom of his ancestors in pools of quiet water - is a frail weapon indeed against the Norland hordes." Rodrigo can truly trust only one of his companions, his boyhood friend Rustin, who now bears the title "Guardian of the King's Person." As Rodrigo grows into his crown, Rustin must protect him from his own rash courage - as well as his many foes.

FROM THE CRITICS

Locus

Satisfying.

Midwest Book Review

Engaging...epic fantasy.

Publishers Weekly

John W. Campbell award-winner Feintuch's long-awaited sequel to The Still (1997) starts slowly but gathers speed as his impatient hero, King Rodrigo of Caledon, must deal with both his enemies and his own vicious temper, which can complicate his relations with allies and friends. After learning to use the ancient power of the Still (derived from gazing into still water) to gain access to the wisdom of past rulers, Rodrigo wields the Still as a weapon in one exciting, intricately described battle after another as his armies take on the invading Hriskil, who wield the Rood. Treachery costs Rodrigo the life of his beloved mentor, Rustin, and nearly that of his remaining brother, Elryc. Elaborate and at times highly graphic, from violent fighting to the painful growth of Rodrigo's character, the tale winds its way through several plot twists before Rustin is resurrected. Having matured without the latter's guidance, Rodrigo suffers a behavorial relapse when he returns to Rustin's tutelage and finds that they must separate if he is truly to become a man. In a satisfying if rather abrupt ending to this coming-of-age story, Rodrigo regains his kingdom and prepares for marriage. Those who haven't read The Still will have a hard time following the action, especially at first, but established fans will be left hoping they won't have to wait as long for the next volume in the series. (Aug. 6) FYI: Feintuch is also the author of Children of Hope (2001) and other books in his Seafort Saga.

VOYA - Bonnie Kunzel

In The Still (Warner, 1997/VOYA December 1997), Prince Rodrigo faced treachery and deceit in his effort to take his place as ruler of Caledon. Now the seventeen-year-old king struggles to hold the throne against invaders from the north and members of his own court. As long as he can consult the Still-by gazing into still water and calling on the spirits of his ancestors-Rodrigo has a slight edge. That means remaining celibate, however, from his friend and mentor, Rustin, as well as from Tresa, the young cousin who loves him and is willing to be his bride. It also means not giving in to his tendency toward violence, a trait that is unfortunately enhanced by his use of the Still. This headstrong, spoiled young nobleman has little patience and tolerance for the lower classes, in spite of Rustin's efforts to curb his physical and verbal abuse. Surprisingly, Rustin's death at the hands of Rodrigo's treacherous uncle gives the young king the impetus he needs to become a better ruler and man. Rodrigo learns from his enemies as well as his friends, but even wielding the power of the Still of Caledon, he barely holds his own against King Hriskil and the Rood of Norland. Through many battles, both internal and external and against friend and foe, Rodrigo hones himself into a finely tuned weapon and finally drives back the enemy. This rich, complex fantasy stands alone. Readers will hope that it is not the end of Rodrigo's adventures. VOYA Codes: 5Q 3P S A/YA (Hard to imagine it being any better written; Will appeal with pushing; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12; Adult and Young Adult). 2002, Ace, 352p,

Library Journal